Monday Moments: Labor Day Special

Happy Labor Day everyone. Hope each of you are doing well, and enjoying the life that we have so graciously been afforded through the work of Christ on the Cross and the conquering of the grave. I also hope that you are excited for FOOTBALL season! I am a huge football fan, both college and pro. Here are the Monday Moments

DUU Commissioning…
As the school year begins, Harrisonburg experiences an explosion of growth with college students from Bridgewater, JMU, EMU, BlueRidge, and Mary Baldwin. About 35% of our congregation is made up of college students. Our campus ministry Divine Unity University are getting ready to launch into a year of impactful ministry. Pastor Marcus and Tempest hosted a leadership retreat for the campus ministry leaders this past Saturday where their theme is found in Ephesians 4: Build. As they labor to build the next generation of leaders, they afforded me the opportunity to come in a “commission” this year’s leaders. This is an opportunity for me to give words of encouragement and direction. I always count it a joy to speak to the campus ministry because that’s where it all got started for me! I am excited to see the harvest that the campus ministry is going to see this year. Press towards the mark DUU!

Chris Jones for City Council
Earlier this year DUCC set out on a campaign to Take the City for Christ by 1) Living out the gospel, 2) Sharing the Gospel, and 3) Seizing opportunity to be light in dark places. Chris Jones decided to take a step of faith in local government here in Harrisonburg, VA by running for City Council. When we say we are trying to take the city, we really mean we want to be a Christ-centered influence in every way possible. I am super proud of him as he has continually kept this campaign in prayer seeking out wisdom and vision that will help Harrisonburg be a better place for families to settle, and for people to live out their potential. This past Sunday evening the annual Democratic Labor Day celebration. Cherelle and I were Chris & Terra Jones’ honored guests for this event. For those who don’t know me, I am not involved in politics at all, but this proved to be a great event as I heard Chris’s hope for Harrisonburg and how it aligns with the church’s mission. It was also encouraging to get insight from Senator Mark Warner who was also there in attendance and to speak. Overall I am continually realizing the open doors The Lord has given me here in Harrisonburg Va to be among influential people as I walk in my calling. As we have been covering the book of Daniel at church, it has open my eyes that I may see the many ways we can influence and impact our city by living in Excellence, uncompromising the truth of the Gospel. Chris Jones… keep pressing towards the mark of the high calling, and live in excellence, people are waiting to hear Christ through you!

The Lion Tamer
This past Sunday we had back to school Sunday and we had a packed house. It was full of energy but more importantly the Presence of The Lord. It was such a joy to see the children and college students serving in different aspects at service.
We also closed out our mini series “Pursuing Excellence” by covering Daniel 6. We covered 4 things: we are 1) Situated for Purpose, 2) Soaked in Prayer, 3) Surrounded by Lions, and 4) Safe in the Pit. Understand walking in excellence doesn’t exempt us from the pit but gives us the ability to overcome it. The story of Daniel in the lions’ den is one full of faith and faithfulness. Daniel displayed his faith by continually praying, and God showed off His faithfulness by delivering Daniel from the pit. I believe if you walk in excellence you will see the same results in your life: Prayer, Protection, and Promotion.

Oh yeah before I go, this upcoming Sunday will be our first Sunday hosting two services! If you are in Harrisonburg or near it, lets pack the house, 9am & 11am!